Transfer News: Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk says he never asked to leave

Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk insists he never asked to leave the club in the summer, and is happy where he is for now.

Southampton were reportedly keen on bringing the Dutchman to the Premier League, with Celtic issuing a hands-off warning to deter potential suitors.

The 23-year-old has moved to play down reports that he asked to leave Parkhead, and is adamant that he never went above manager Ronny Delia to seek a switch.

"It’s a compliment for me that the club wanted me to stay but I didn’t say literally I want to leave. Never," Van Dijk told the Daily Record.

“If there was a chance to go and play Champions League somewhere else at that moment and it was a step forward then I might have considered it.

“But I never said, ‘I want to leave now’. I am focused on Celtic and I am happy here.

“I never had any problem with the gaffer, he’s a good guy.

“I’m happy at Celtic and always will be. This is the club that gave me a chance and I’ve never had problems with anyone here.

“When everyone was saying I wanted to leave and were saying negative things about me it was disappointing.”

Van Dijk, however, refused to confirm he will be in Scotland until the end of the season, with the January window a potential opportunity to seek pastures new.

“I don’t know. It’s difficult to say but I am happy here and we want to do well in Scotland and Europe," he added.